Why the
Wudang Ancient Building
Complex & Scenic Area
are special

This extensive Wudang complex of remarkable palaces, temples, pagodas and nunneries is constructed on the slopes, cliffs and peaks of the verdant Wudang mountain scenic area. That natural setting is so photogenic that it was chosen for background scenes for the internationally acclaimed movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon".

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Wudang
tips & insights

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Holy mountain

Wudang mountain has long been linked with Taoism and is the holiest of China's Taoist mountains.

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Size

The Wudang scenic area covers roughly 300 square kilometers (about 125 square miles).

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Construction

The earliest construction of the Wudang complex dates back to the 7th century Tang Dynasty, but most of the existing structures were built during the Ming Dynasty (14th to 17th centuries). It took the Ming Dynasty a decade and hundreds of thousands of workers and soldiers to upgrade the Wudang complex. Sadly, in 2003, a fire severely damaged Yuzhengong Palace (one of Wudang's major sites) and some other structures. Restoration plans are underway. 

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Kung Fu

The Wudang version of Kung Fu martial arts has been known and respected throughout China for centuries. It is now world famous, thanks to the global exposure of the above mentioned movie.

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When to come

Spring and fall are the two best seasons for exploring the Wudang building complex and scenic area.

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Getting there

Wudang is an easy side trip if your cruise of the Yangtze River gorges begins or ends in or near Wuhan city.

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Location

The Wudang Ancient Building Complex and scenic area lie in northwestern Hubei province. See below map for photos & descriptions of Hubei's other two Hillman Wonders.

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Pronunciation guide

Wudang:   woo-dah'ng

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